-
7
Introduction
One day, at the end of a group lesson on basic rook endgame
positions that I had just given at my club, one of my students,
Hocine, aged about ten, came up to ask me: «But what is the point
of knowing the Lucena or Philidor positions? I never get that far.
Often I lose before the ending because I didn’t know the opening.
Teach us the Sicilian Defence instead, it will be more useful». Of
course, I tried to make him understand that if he lost it was not
always, or even often, because of his short comings in the opening.
I also explained to him that learning the endgames was essential to
progress in the other phases of the game, and that the positions of
Philidor or Lucena (to name but these two) should be part of the
basic knowledge of any chess player, in much the same way that a
musician must inevitably study the works of Mozart and Beethoven,
sooner or later. However, I came to realize
thatIhadgreatdifficultyinmakinghimseereason.
Meanwhile Nicolas, another of my ten-year-old students,
regularly arrives at classes with a whole bunch of new names of
openings that he gleaned here and there on the internet, and that
he proudly displays to his club mates. They remain amazed by all
these baroque-sounding opening names, and they have a deep respect
for his encyclopaedic knowledge. For my part, I try to behave like
a teacher by explaining to Nicolas that his intellectual curiosity
is commendable, but that knowledge of the Durkin Attack, the
Elephant Gambit or the Mexican Defence, as exciting as they might
be, has a rather limited practical interest at the board.
Hocine and Nicolas are certainly not isolated examples. Many
youngsters are convinced that knowledge of opening theory can be
used to measure, like a barometer, the strength of a chess player.
«If he’s stronger than me, it’s simply because he knows more
openings!». We rarely hear a competitor – let alone a youngster –
complain of losing because he does not know how to play queen
endgames or because he does not master the subtleties of the pawn
structure.
The opening has indeed always had a sort of fascination for
chess players. One only has to observe that most competitive
players, whatever their level, devote the bulk of their work to it,
and for this they can count on the abundant chess literature. More
has been written about the initial phase of the game than about any
other area of chess, whether it is the middlegame, the endgame, the
history or the strategy.
Unfortunately, very often another parallel point is clear: many
players, among those who embark on competition, spend a
considerable time studying the openings, but do not get their
money’s worth. Some of them arrive at the chessboard swamped with
variations that they have memorized beyond the 20th move at times,
butarecompletelybaffledwhentheiropponentplaysabadmovethatisnotpartoftheir
repertoire. In fact, they have learned without really
understanding.
-
8
The Power of Pawns
For the last twenty years I have had the pleasure – every day
that passes I am convinced that it is one – to accompany young
players as they progress, whether in my club or within the French
team that I’ve supervised for twelve years. Hocine, Nicolas, and
many other students – both young and old – have asked me, sometimes
insistently, to write down all of our work on the openings in the
form of a book.
Itwaswithsomereluctanceatfirst,becauseIdidnotreallyseewhatIcouldaddto
everything that had already been written on the subject, but I did
write it, and now I make it available to the public.
Another book on the openings, onemight think at first. I have,
however, theweakness to believe that this book will be original and
that it will stand out from most of the others. At least in its
approach, and above all because of the audience for which it is
intended.
Itspublic,firstofall.Somefilmsareforbiddentothoseunder16yearsold.Iwouldhavewantedto
say,atfirst,thatthisbookwasonlyforyoungsters.However,asageisobviouslynot
involved in progress at chess, I should really say that it is
forbidden to players above a certain level. More seriously, this
book is not intended to prepare masters, or even candidate masters
(at least not right away), but to bring ideas and points of
reference to players – young and less young alike – who engage in
competitions and are not sure where to start studying openings. The
primary objective of this
bookisjusttohelptheseplayersbyofferingareliableandefficientrepertoirethatthey
can assimilate without spending too much time on it, and above all
which emphasizes understanding over memorization. This book will
also be useful for organizers and trainers of clubs who do not feel
competent when they have to teach openings.
Original in its approach,
next.Thosewholeafthroughthisbookhopingtofindthelatestfashionablenovelties
from the Najdorf or Grünfeld may close it. In the pages that
follow there are no major theoretical lines and no 2Aa431
variations, but a collection of complete games.Farmore
thanbeingable to recite thefirst tenmovesofanopeningbyheart, it is
important to know the typical middlegame plans that result from
this opening, and it is only by studying complete games that you
can discover these.
I have made the choice to select games from young players,
whenever possible, rather than games from grandmasters. It is in
this sense that this work will differ from most other treaties on
the openings. If I have made such a choice, it is for at least two
reasons:
1. What would I have to add to the games of grandmasters that
have already been analysed by illustrious players and that can be
found in many other publications?2. It seems profitable, at least
at first, to study the games of children and
enthusiasts, with their characteristic faults, rather than those
of grandmasters,
albeitoftenfreeofmajormistakesbutsometimesalittledifficulttograspforthe
-
9
Introduction
layman. Obviously, it is impossible to study an opening without
drawing on the experience of the best players. This is why some
games from great champions will be included in the collection.
This book is designed in the form of a repertoire. It offers
systems targeted
specificallyatWhite,andnotanencyclopaedicsurveyofalltheopenings.Becauseofthedensityofthematerial,itwasfinallydecidedtodotwovolumes.Onthesame
principle, a 2nd volume will thus propose a repertoire for Black
against White’s main moves (naturally starting with 1.e4 and
1.d4).
You will notice that many proposed openings bear the name of
‘Attack’. I deliberately chose offensive variations. Playing
aggressive openings allows the
developmentoftacticalvisioninopenpositions,whichcanonlybebeneficialtoprogress.
This is why it is natural that I recommend 1.e4 as the opening move
for White. In any case, it is an essential stage on the road for
any beginner. There will always be time later to eventually move on
to other more strategic, and therefore more complex, openings.
At the end of each chapter a series of exercises will test that
the concepts discussed have been assimilated, and it’s not
necessarily always a question of mating, either,
butsometimesjustoffindingtheappropriateplan.Anexperiencedplayercantryto
solve the positions before reading the chapter.
Evidently, it would be extravagant of me to claim that the
examined openings win or even ensure a forced advantage. This book
is not intended to guarantee a victory in less than 20 moves
against any defence. If such miracle cures existed, they would be
widely known.
On the other hand, this book should enable you to build an
opening repertoire without too much effort. You can then devote
more time to other sectors, in particular to tactics, which are
fundamental. As a result, your progress in the other phases of the
game is thus strengthened and success at the board should not
delay.
Eh, yes! Even if a well-managed opening repertoire does not
guarantee victory, it can greatly contribute. Hocine and Nicolas
will appreciate this and will not disagree.
Now I wish you a safe and rewarding journey of initiation into
the fabulous world of the openings. If, in addition to acquiring
new knowledge, you will have fun, this modest book will have
achieved its goal.
Vincent MoretNancy, February 2016
-
24
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
Chapter 2
The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco Gambit
Game 9Pauline CrabieSandra SwierczRochefort jr 1998 (3)
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♗c5 4.c3!
T_LdM_StT_LdM_StjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_._._._S_._.__.l.j._._.l.j._.._B_I_._._B_I_.__.i._N_._.i._N_.Ii.i.iIiIi.i.iIirNbQk._RrNbQk._R
The Giuoco Piano (the calm game). An opening that is misnamed,
as we shall see. We will be proposing the Italian Variation for
White in our repertoire. It offers good attacking possibilities,
especially against poorly or unprepared players, and is perfectly
suited to the style of young players who are at ease in tactical
variations. In short, nothing like a ‘calm game’!The idea of 4.c3
(which might appear illogical to the layman, since it does not
develop a piece and even occupies the knight’s natural development
square) is to control the centre with d2-d4. It is an idea found in
many lines of the Spanish Opening, but the character of the
position here is modified by thepresence of the two bishops on c4
and
c5. In the main line these two pieces will both find themselves
attacked bythe opposing d-pawn!
4...♘f6The best move, counter-attacking the e4-pawn. Any other
move would allow White to realize his plan of invading the centre
by 5.d4 without any hindrance.
5.d4!?At this point White can still change his plan and play the
more modest 5.d3, an interesting variation that even Kasparov has
vouched for by playing many times, but which will not be covered in
this book. Nevertheless, if any of our readers feels that he has
exhausted the d2-d4 Italian, or finds that hemeets strongerand
better-prepared opponents as he progresses, it could be relevant to
branch off into the Italian with 4.c3 and 5.d3.
5...exd4From now on Black will have to play with the utmost
precision to avoid falling into one of the many pitfalls that this
variation contains.Afirstexample:5...♗b6?6.dxe5♘xe4??7.♕d5
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ.lS_._._.lS_._.__._Qi._._._Qi._.._B_S_._._B_S_.__.i._N_._.i._N_.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIirNb.k._RrNb.k._R
-
25
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
... wins a piece because of the threat of mate on f7. A common
theme in the Italian.
6.cxd4 ♗b4+Once again, Black has no choice but to move his
bishop with gain of time by giving check.6...♗b6? would be a
serious error,which would allow the white centre to get going:
7.d5!♘e7 (after 7...♘a58.♗d3,Blackfacestheunpleasantthreatof b2-b4,
winning the knight) 8.e5 (the white centre is a veritable
steamroller that flattens everything in its path!)8...♘g4 9.d6!
♘xf2 (9...cxd6 10.exd6♘c611.♕e2+♔f812.0-0)10.♕b3!♘xh1 (10...0-0
11.♗g5) 11.♗xf7+♔f812.♗g5!.
7.♘c3!?
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_.s._._S_.s.__._._._._._._._..lBiI_._.lBiI_.__.n._N_._.n._N_.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir.bQk._Rr.bQk._R
The Greco Gambit (as the e4-pawn is hanging), named after the
famous Italian theorist who analysed it nearly 400 years ago!This
variation, which is also sometimes called the Möller Attack (it
seems to me more correct to leave the paternity to Gioachino Greco,
however), is not only one of the oldest in the history of chess,
but also one of the most intensively analysed. During the 20th
century it has often been declared refuted, but, just like the
Phoenix, it regularly rises from its ashes. Today, with the current
state
of theory and helped by computers that enable us to approach the
Truth with a capital T, we must admit that the Greco Gambit doesn’t
get a very good press, even if the prolific grandmaster Soltiswas
not of this opinion and devoted a
passionatemonographtoitsomefifteenyears ago.Objectively, Black does
indeed have the means to obtain equality and get out of the coming
mass of complications alive. However, the path is sometimes very
narrow and contains many pit-falls, especially for those who do not
have great experience with this opening.Once again, the goal is not
to prepare the reader to play against grandmasters at the cutting
edge of theory (when that happens, there will still be time to head
for the d2-d3 Italian or even the Spanish), but instead to give him
incisive and effective weapons against unprepared opponents. This
is certainly the case with the Greco Gambit.The other possible
variation is 7.♗d2.But I don’t recommend it, even though it is
playable, because after 7...♗xd2+8.♘bxd2d5!,Blackdestroys
thewhitecentre and easily obtains satisfactory play. Besides, we
have to admit that this variation is much less exciting than the
Greco Gambit.
7...♘xe4Black has little choice and must capture the pawn.The
dangers of refusing the gambit by 7...d5 are illustrated by the
famous game Steinitz-Von Bardeleben, which you can find analysed in
numerouschess books, and in particular in the monumental pentalogy
that Kasparov dedicated to his ‘Great Predecessors’. Not wanting to
produce a pale copy
-
26
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
of the Boss’s analysis (and obviously having nothing to add to
it), I will thereforeonlygivethefirstfewmovesof the game: 8.exd5
♘xd5 9.0-0! ♗e6 9...♘xc3isevenworseherethaninthemain game: 10.bxc3
♗xc3 11.♕b3!♗xa1 12.♗xf7+ ♔f8 13.♗a3+ –because of the absence of
Black’s d-pawn, the check on a3 is immediately decisive – 13...♘e7
14.♗g8! ♖xg815.♘e5!andthere’snodefenceagainstmate. 10.♗g5 ♗e7
11.♗xd5 ♗xd5 12.♘xd5 ♕xd5 13.♗xe7 ♘xe7 14.♖e1 White exerts
dangerous pressure on the e-file, and this ultimately
proveddecisive after some brilliant tactical
playfromthefirstofficialWorldChessChampion. The final combination
isparticularly attractive.
8.0-0
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_._._._S_._.__._._._._._._._..lBiS_._.lBiS_.__.n._N_._.n._N_.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir.bQ_Rk.r.bQ_Rk.
8...♘xc3?Blackstumblesintotheminefield.It isbest to take on c3
with the bishop, as we shall see later in this chapter.
9.bxc3 ♗xc3?The decisive mistake in an already compromised
position.9...♗e7wouldhavebeenmetby10.d5with a big space advantage
for White, which amply compensates the pawn minus.
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_._._._S_._.__._._._._._._._.._Bi._._._Bi._.__.l._N_._.l._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir.bQ_Rk.r.bQ_Rk.
10.♕b3!?10.♗a3!isprobablymoreaccurate:10...d6 (10...♗xa1??
11.♖e1+ is winningfor White) 11.♖c1 ♗a5 12.♕a4!.White, who
threatens 13.d5 and 13.♗b5,probablyalreadyhasadecisiveinitiative.
Nevertheless, the text move has the merit of being more dangerous,
more radical, and above all, in the words of our Anglo-Saxon
friends, more fun.
10...♗xa1?Black is too greedy. His last chance was to play
10...d5! 11.♗xd5 0-012.♗xf7+ ♔h8 13.♕xc3 ♖xf7, withan approximately
equal position. This variation is the main reason that theory
recommends ♗a3 on the 10th move ratherthan♕b3.Anyway, in my
opinion, and on a purely pragmaticlevel,themove10.♕b3leadsto amore
forcing line than 10.♗a3 –which is why I recommend it – and it will
bring almost 100% success when facing an unprepared opponent. I am
confident that an amateur will havegreatdifficultyfinding themove
...d7-d5 at the chessboard, if he did not already know it, not to
mention the two subsequent moves that lead to equality.
Ofcourse,astrongplayercouldfinditwithout a doubt, but he would
never take the risk of going into a variation
-
27
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
which is 100% bad should White play 10.♗a3.One could argue that
the opponent can prepare the 10...d5 move at home, if he
knowsweplay10.♕b3.Thisreasoningis, however, not... reasonable,
since he would go into a losing position in order to play some
preparation, and this whole approach is intellectually – and above
all chessically – doubtful. Above all, it is pointless to take such
a risk just to get an equal position at best!After these
transcendental digressions, let’s get back to the game. After Black
takes the a1-rook, it is now linear and one-way.
11.♗xf7+ ♔f8 12.♗g5 ♘e7Be careful not to be taken aback by the
tricky12...♘xd4.
T_Ld.m.tT_Ld.m.tjJjJ_BjJjJjJ_BjJ._._._._._._._.__._._.b._._._.b.._.s._._._.s._.__Q_._N_._Q_._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIil._._Rk.l._._Rk.
White only has one move, but it is more
thansufficientasitforcestheopponent’simmediate capitulation:
13.♕a3+! (13.♕b4+?? c5 14.♕xc5+d6, and White has gone
astray...;13.♘xd4?? ♕xg5; 13.♗xd8?♘xb3).
13.♘e5!Much stronger than trying to win the
blackqueenwith13.♖e1.With the text move White plays for mate!
13...♗xd4 14.♗g6!
T_Ld.m.tT_Ld.m.tjJjJs.jJjJjJs.jJ._._._B_._._._B__._.n.b._._.n.b.._.l._._._.l._.__Q_._._._Q_._._.I_._.iIiI_._.iIi_._._Rk._._._Rk.
The bishop evacuates the f7-square so that the queen can
threaten mate there.
14...d5 15.♕f3+ ♗f5Black has no other move. That is why the
bishop had to go to g6 and not to any other square.
16.♗xf5Up to here, the entire game can be found in Greco’s
analysis, dating from 1625(!), and the young Pauline Crabie
knewthis.Sheonlyhadtofindthenextmove at the board herself, and
without taking anything from her merit, it must be admitted that
this was not particularlydifficult.
16...♔g8?16...♗xe5 17.♗e6+ ♗f6 18.♗xf6♔e8 19.♗xg7 ♕d6 20.♕f7+
♔d821.♗xh8 was the main variationfound in Greco’s analysis... and
in the game Moret-Magnier, La Bresse 1987.
17.♗e6#
Game 10Jame VoillatValerie HammerFrance tt-jr 1999
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♗c5 4.c3 ♘f6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 ♗b4+ 7.♘c3
♘xe4 8.0-0 ♗xc3
This is the correct way to take on c3, as we already know.
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28
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_._._._S_._.__._._._._._._._.._BiS_._._BiS_.__.l._N_._.l._N_.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir.bQ_Rk.r.bQ_Rk.
9.d5!This is the starting point of the Möller Attack in the
Greco Gambit, to be exact.On 9.bxc3?, Black obviously does not play
9...♘xc3?? because of 10.♕e1+,which wins the knight, but 9...d5!
with advantage. In fact, in this variation we must remember that d5
is the move to play to hope for any advantage, and this is equally
valid for both sides!
9...♘e5Black tries to play the wise guy by attacking a new piece
of White’s.After9...♘a5,Whitecaneitherchooseto follow the game
continuation by transposition after 10.bxc3 ♘xc411.♕d4, or play the
stronger 10.♗d3!♘c511.bxc3 A) 11...0-0? allows
T_Ld.tM_T_Ld.tM_jJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._._._._._._._._s.sI_._.s.sI_._.._._._._._._._.__.iB_N_._.iB_N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir.bQ_Rk.r.bQ_Rk.
...theclassic12.♗xh7+!–thesacrificeof the bishop on h7 is
commonly also called the Greco sacrifice, which is
very symbolic in the opening of the same name: 12...♔xh7
13.♘g5+♔g8(13...♔g614.♕g4)14.♕h5; B) 11...♘xd3 12.♕xd3 0-0
13.♘g5and White has a very strong attack. For example: 13...g6
(13...f5 14.d6! cxd6? 15.♕d5+)14.d6!cxd615.♘e4.9...♗f6 is themove
recommended bytheory, and will be covered in the next two
games.
10.bxc3 ♘xc4 11.♕d4
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._._._._._._._.__._I_._._._I_._.._SqS_._._SqS_.__.i._N_._.i._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir.b._Rk.r.b._Rk.
11...♘cd6?Black is trying to hang on to his loot, but this is a
serious mistake.11...0-0 12.♕xe4 ♘d6 is one of the theoretically
recommended lines for Black (12...b5 was Karpov’s choice against
Dzindzichashvili when he was confronted by the Greco Gambit in
1988. It’s a move that consequently merits respect, even if White
keeps the initiative after 13.a4!): 13.♕d3 ♕f6 Stronger than
13...♘e8, which wasplayed in the old game Mieses-Süchting, Vienna
1906. After 14.c4 d6 15.♗b2,White had good compensation for the
pawn less, thanks to his space advantage and powerful b2-bishop.
14.♖e1 b6 15.♗g5 is a rare recent example of the Greco Gambit at
the highest level, between two super-grandmasters with 2700+ Elos.
After 15...♕f5 16.♕xf5 ♘xf5 17.g4 f6 18.♗f4 ♘d6 19.♗xd6
-
29
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
cxd6 20.♘d4, White had just enough activity to compensate his
slight material deficit, and thus maintainequality,
Gashimov-Dominguez Perez, Nice rapid 2010.
12.♕xg7 ♕f612...♖f8 allows White to create verydangerous threats
on the e-file after13.♖e1.
13.♕xf6 ♘xf6
T_L_M_.tT_L_M_.tjJjJ_J_JjJjJ_J_J._.s.s._._.s.s.__._I_._._._I_._.._._._._._._._.__.i._N_._.i._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir.b._Rk.r.b._Rk.
Black has placed all his hopes on this exchange of queens, but
White keeps a very strong attack.
14.♖e1+ ♔d8? A) 14...♔f8 was no better, butrequired greater
precision from White: 15.♗h6+♔g816.♖e5andnow: A1) 16...♘de4
T_L_._MtT_L_._MtjJjJ_J_JjJjJ_J_J._._.s.b._._.s.b_._Ir._._._Ir._.._._S_._._._S_.__.i._N_._.i._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir._._.k.r._._.k.
17.♘d2!d618.♘xe4dxe519.♘xf6#; A2) 16...♘fe4 17.♖e1 f6
(17...b6?18.♖1xe4!) 18.♖e7!
(18.♖5xe4?♘xe419.♖xe4♔f7)18...b619.♘h4!.
T_L_._MtT_L_._Mtj.jJr._Jj.jJr._J.j.s.j.b.j.s.j.b_._I_._._._I_._.._._S_.n._._S_.n_.i._._._.i._._.I_._.iIiI_._.iIi_._.r.k._._.r.k.
Played to stop ...♘f5, but above all todecisively penetrate into
g6 as soon as the h7-pawn has been captured. 19...♗b7 20.♖g7+ ♔f8
21.♖xh7+♔g8 22.♖g7+ ♔f8 23.♘g6+ ♔e824.♘xh8. B) Black absolutely had
to return thepiecetohopetosurvive:14...♘fe415.♘d2 f5 16.f3 0-0
17.fxe4 ♘xe418.♘xe4 fxe4 19.♖xe4, but Whitemaintains a strong
initiative.
T_L_.tM_T_L_.tM_jJjJ_._JjJjJ_._J._._._._._._._.__._I_._._._I_._.._._R_._._._R_.__.i._._._.i._._.I_._._IiI_._._Iir.b._.k.r.b._.k.
Despite the reduced material White has real attacking
possibilities against the black king. There are three reasons for
this:• an advance in development;• a relative lack of protection
for the black king;• the presence of opposite-coloured bishops. The
white bishop can really be very dangerous, either on the a1-h8
diagonal after c3-c4, or on h6.
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30
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
White can play this position without any risk, and the most that
Black can hope for is to split the point.
15.♗g5Even without queens White has a very strong attack.
15...♘e8
T_LmS_.tT_LmS_.tjJjJ_J_JjJjJ_J_J._._.s._._._.s.__._I_.b._._I_.b.._._._._._._._.__.i._N_._.i._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir._.r.k.r._.r.k.
16.♖xe8+! ♔xe816...♖xe817.♗xf6+♖e718.♖e1.
17.♖e1+ ♔f817...♔d818.♗xf6#.
18.♗h6+ ♔g8
T_L_._MtT_L_._MtjJjJ_J_JjJjJ_J_J._._.s.b._._.s.b_._I_._._._I_._.._._._._._._._.__.i._N_._.i._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIi_._.r.k._._.r.k.
19.♖e5!Black resigned.It’s mate, either on g5, or on e8 if the
f6-knight moves. Once again, White, who only used ten minutes on
his clock for the entire game as opposed to an hour and a half for
his opponent, cannot take much credit: in fact, he simply recited a
game played by Greco in... 1620!
Game 11Elise BellaicheCyrielle MonpeurtAix-les-Bains 2007
(8)
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♗c5 4.c3 ♘f6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 ♗b4+ 7.♘c3
♘xe4
The immediate capture on c3 sometimes occurs: 7...♗xc3+ 8.bxc3
♘xe4 9.d5!(obviously!9.0-0?d5!)9...♘a510.♗d3!(10.0-0!? is also
possible, with the idea after10...♘xc411.♕d4!totransposeintothe
previous game) 10...♘f6 (10...♘c511.0-0 once again transposes into
the notes to the previous game) 11.♗a3!d6 (11...♘xd5 12.0-0 d6
13.♗b5+
c614.♕xd5cxb515.♖fe1+♗e616.♕xb5+♔f817.♖xe6!fxe618.♖e1,anddespitehis
extra exchange, Black is facing overwhelming threats) 12.♕a4+
c613.♗b4.Whitehasmorethansufficientcompensationforthesacrificedpawn.
8.0-0 ♗xc3 9.d5 ♗f6The main line, recommended by theory.
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_.l._._S_.l.__._I_._._._I_._.._B_S_._._B_S_.__._._N_._._._N_.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir.bQ_Rk.r.bQ_Rk.
10.♖e1White has no reason to capture the c6-knight immediately.
After 10.dxc6 bxc6 Black could play ...d7-d5 and White would no
longer have any compensation for the pawn less.
10...♘e7 11.♖xe4 d6Forced, otherwise White would play 12.d6
himself and the development of the c8-bishop would become a
problem.
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Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
12.♗g5An interesting alternative for those looking for an
alternative that is less forcing – and above all less analysed –
than the main line, is 12.g4!?.
12...♗xg5 13.♘xg5
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJj.sJjJjJj.sJjJ._.j._._._.j._.__._I_.n._._I_.n.._B_R_._._B_R_.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir._Q_.k.r._Q_.k.
This is a critical position in the Greco Gambit (or Möller
Attack) and an impor tant crossroads for Black, who now has two
major possibilities.
13...0-0The old continuation that leads to great complications
and that we cannot analyse in great detail within the limited scope
of this book.The modern 13...h6!? will be discussed in the next
game.13...♗f5? is wrong before castling:14.♕f3! (threatens both
15.♕xf5and 15.♖xe7+) 14...♗xe4
(14...♕d715.♗b5!♕xb516.♕xf5)15.♕xf7+♔d716.♕e6+♔e817.♕xe4andwith♖e1coming,Blackislost.
T_Ld.tM_T_Ld.tM_jJj.sJjJjJj.sJjJ._.j._._._.j._.__._I_.n._._I_.n.._B_R_._._B_R_.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir._Q_.k.r._Q_.k.
14.♘xh7!The only move to get any play. White cannot go back – if
he gives Black the timetoplay14...♗f5,thelatterwouldhave a much
better position with a pawn more.
14...♔xh714...♗f5!? 15.♖h4! ♖e8 (15...♗xh7?16.♕h5) 16.♕h5 ♘g6
(the menacewas17.♘f6+!)17.♖d4andnow: A) 17...♗c2!? is the move
recom-mended by John Nunn in his book Secrets of Practical Chess,
and he even considers it one of the possible refutations of the
Greco Gambit.
T_.dT_M_T_.dT_M_jJj._JjNjJj._JjN._.j._S_._.j._S__._I_._Q_._I_._Q._Br._._._Br._.__._._._._._._._.IiL_.iIiIiL_.iIir._._.k.r._._.k.
According to Nunn, Black is now threatening 18...♖e5, followed
by...♕c8 on ♕h3, with a winningposition. Things are not so simple,
however. After 18.h4!? (a move ignored by the renowned English
grandmaster, who nevertheless considered many
options)18...♖e519.♘g5!,Whitekeepsgood attacking possibilities and
Black’s defence remains difficult,
especiallyforsomeonewhowouldhavetofinditover the chessboard; B)
17...♖e5 18.♘g5! with a positionthat Nunn himself considered very
unclear. The wisest course for both sides is undoubtedly to take
the repetition
ofmovesafter18...♕f619.♕h7+♔f820.♕h5♔g8(20...♔e7??21.♘h7!wins
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32
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
for White) 21.♕h7+. If White is nothappy with a repetition, he
could try f2-f4 on the 18thmove(insteadof♘g5),with a very
complicated position once again.
15.♕h5+ ♔g8 16.♖h4 f616...f5 gives a little more air to the
black king: 17.♕h7+ ♔f7 18.♖h6!
T_Ld.t._T_Ld.t._jJj.sMjQjJj.sMjQ._.j._.r._.j._.r_._I_J_._._I_J_.._B_._._._B_._.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir._._.k.r._._.k.
Animportantmovetoprevent18...♘g6,whilethreateningthemanoeuvre♗e2-h5.
18...♖g8 The only move. Once more, Black must play very precisely
to escape (18...♗d7? 19.♗e2 ♖g820.♗h5+♔f821.♖f6+!! and it’smatenext
move!) 19.♖e1 and now: A) 19...♗d7?20.♖ee6!♗xe621.dxe6+♔f8
(21...♔e8 22.♖g6!) 22.♖f6+!♔e823.♕h5+g624.♕h7; B) 19...♕f8 (the
only seriousalternativeto19...♔f8)20.♗b5!(tostopthe black king from
escaping via e8, and to menace 21.♖ee6) 20...♖h8!. Black’sbest
defence, which visibly forces White to settle
foraperpetualafter21.♕xh8gxh6 22.♕h7+ ♔f6 23.♖xe7 ♕xe724.♕xh6+; C)
19...♔f8 20.♖h3 Menacing 21.♖he3.20...♗d7 It’s very easy for Black
to go astray in this jungle of possibilities at any moment. For
example, 20...f4? losesbecauseof21.♖h4g522.♖h6♘f5and now:
T_Ld.mT_T_Ld.mT_jJj._._QjJj._._Q._.j._.r._.j._.r_._I_Sj._._I_Sj.._B_.j._._B_.j.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIi_._.r.k._._.r.k.
23.♖e8+!! ♔xe8 (23...♕xe8 24.♖f6+)24.♕xg8+♔e725.♖h7+.21.♖he3 ♘c8
22.♗d3 g6 23.h4 ♖g7 24.♕h8+ ♖g8 25.♕h6+! White doesn’t take the
draw, but plays for the attack! 25...♔f7 25...♖g7? 26.♗xf5 gxf5
(26...♗xf527.♖e8+) 27.♖g3. 26.h5 with a good attacking position
which we will not analyse in more depth, however, for fear of
scaring the reader, who might be worried about having to remember
all these variations. Just one example of how dangerous the
position is for Black: 26...♕f627.♖e6!♗xe628.♖xe6.
T_S_._T_T_S_._T_jJj._M_.jJj._M_.._.jRdJq._.jRdJq_._I_J_I_._I_J_I._._._._._._._.__._B_._._._B_._.Ii._.iI_Ii._.iI__._._.k._._._.k.
The black queen cannot move because of the capture on g6, which
would be decisive.In fact, more than all these variations, what you
really need to remember is that White has undeniable practical
chances after 14.♘xh7. There are defences
forsure,buttheywillcertainlybedifficultto find at the board,
especially with
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33
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
limited time, for a player who will not be extremely well
prepared. Moreover, evenwhentheopponentdoesfindthesemoves White can
still get away with a perpetual, as we have seen.
17.♗d317.g4, followed by 18.♗d3, wouldexploit Black’s previous
inaccuracy and give White good prospects.
17...f5Blackfinallyrealizesthatitwouldhavebeen better to advance
the f-pawn two squares on the previous move.
18.♗e2? ♘g6? 19.♕h7+ ♔f7 20.♖h6 ♕g5??
T_L_.t._T_L_.t._jJj._MjQjJj._MjQ._.j._Sr._.j._Sr_._I_Jd._._I_Jd.._._._._._._._.__._._._._._._._.Ii._BiIiIi._BiIir._._.k.r._._.k.
The future French junior champion crumbles under the pressure.
Again, this type of defence is very difficultto play, especially
for players who are not grandmasters. On move 18 White should have
played 18.♖h3! and Black – 18...♖e8!. Here Black had to play
20...♘f4 21.♗h5+ ♘xh5 22.♕g6+♔g8 23.♕h7+ ♔f7, and White hasnothing
more than a perpetual.
21.♖xg6! ♕xg6 22.♗h5 ♕xh5 23.♕xh5+ ♔g8 24.♖e1 ♗d7 25.h3 ♖ae8
26.♖xe8 ♖xe8 27.♕f3 ♖e1+ 28.♔h2 ♖b1 29.♕b3 b6 30.♕c3 ♗e8 31.♕xc7
♖xb2 32.♕xa7 ♖xf2 33.♕xb6 ♖xa2 34.♕xd6 ♖d2 35.♕e7 ♗b5 36.♕e6+ ♔h8
37.♕xf5 ♗d3 38.♕f4 ♖d1 39.d6
♗g6 40.♕h4+ ♔g8 41.♕d8+ ♔h7 42.d7 ♗f5 43.♕h4+ 1-0
Game 12Salome NeuhauserTristan HofferSaint-Dié 2004
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♗c5 4.c3 ♘f6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 ♗b4+ 7.♘c3
♘xe4 8.0-0 ♗xc3 9.d5 ♗f6 10.♖e1 ♘e7 11.♖xe4 d6 12.♗g5 ♗xg5 13.♘xg5
h6!?
A move found by the grandmaster Lajos Portisch in 1968, and
which was thought to be the refutation of the Greco Gambit for a
while.
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJj.sJj.jJj.sJj.._.j._.j._.j._.j_._I_.n._._I_.n.._B_R_._._B_R_.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir._Q_.k.r._Q_.k.
14.♕e2!If White retreats the knight, it is clear that Black can
castle in peace.14.♕h5isnotentirelysatisfactory,evenif it was
successful in the game Brion-Monpeurt, France school champion-ships
2012. The conductor of the black pieces, then under-16
vice-champion of France and who even had 500 more Elo points than
his opponent, was visibly bewilderedby themove14.♕h5:14...g6? (he
had to play 14...0-0! 15.♖ae1♘g6 16.♘e6 when White retainssome very
slight pressure, which does not fully compensate the pawn less,
however)15.♕h4.Blackcannolongercastle kingside because of the
weakness
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34
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
on h6, and his position collapsed very quickly.
14...hxg5 15.♖e1White will regain the piece because of
thepinonthee-file.
15...♗e6Blackmustclosethefileatanycost toavoid a
catastrophe.15...0-0?16.♖xe7isobviouslydisastrousfor Black.
16.dxe6 f6The complement to the previous move,
ensuringthatthee-fileremainsclosed.Thanks to the e6-pawn White has
driven a wedge in the opposite position. On the other hand, if the
white attack is not decisive, the e6-pawn can become weak.
T_.dM_.tT_.dM_.tjJj.s.j.jJj.s.j.._.jIj._._.jIj.__._._.j._._._.j.._B_R_._._B_R_.__._._._._._._._.Ii._QiIiIi._QiIi_._.r.k._._.r.k.
17.♖e3!White must play very energetically before Black can
consolidate his position, possibly by ...c7-c6 and ...d6-d5. The
idea of the text is to propose an exchange of rooks on h3, and then
give the fatal check with the queen on h5.
17...c6Hoping to play ...d6-d5, then ...♕d6and eventually
...0-0-0.
18.♖h3 ♖xh3 19.gxh3 g6There is hardly anything else to consider
to prevent a check on h5, but the f6-pawn is now weakened and
represents a target of attack for White.
20.♕d2
IfWhite plays the immediate 20.♕f3,then Black wins an important
tempo by 20...♕a5,attackingthee1-rook.
T_.dM_._T_.dM_._jJ_.s._.jJ_.s._.._JjIjJ_._JjIjJ__._._.j._._._.j.._B_._._._B_._.__._._._I_._._._IIi.q.i.iIi.q.i.i_._.r.k._._.r.k.
20...♔f8!Probably the best defence, as suggested by John Nunn.
Strangely, the king will finallyfindrefugeonthekingside.After
20...d5 21.♕c3, Black still hasto remain very vigilant. Taking the
bishop, for example, loses: 21...dxc4?
22.♕xf6.But21...♘f5!isgood.
21.h4 gxh4 22.♕h6+ ♔g8 23.♖e4?Allowing Black to consolidate his
position.23.♕xh4? was no better and allowedthe black king the
possibility to findrefuge on g7.23.b4!, to prevent 23...♕a5,
retainedsome chances: 23...♕f8 24.♕xh4 d525.♗d3. Thanks to his
e6-pawn andmore active pieces, White retains some small attacking
possibilities that should just compensate his material deficit. In
particular, hemay considerthemanoeuvre♖e1-e3,withsacrificialideas
on g6. With black, a grandmaster will certainly defend the position
successfully, but it will probably not be the case for an
inexperienced young player.
23...g5??Black clearly knew the variation until the 22nd move,
but, as is often the case,
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35
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
he blunders horribly as soon as he has to think for himself.He
had to play 23...♕f8, andWhite’sinitiativehasfizzledout.
24.♕xf6 1-0No doubt reeling from his terrible blunder, Black
resigns prematurely. But itisclearthatafter24...♕f825.♕xg5+♕g7
26.♖g4 ♕xg5 27.♖xg5+ ♔h828.♖h5+ ♔g7 29.♖xh4, the tide hasbegun to
turn, even if the game is still farfromfinished.
We conclude our exciting exploration of the Greco Gambit with
this game. This game and the previous one, which dealt with the
main line of the Möller Attack (9.d5), were relatively rich in
analysis. As already mentioned at the beginning of the chapter, the
Italian with c2-c3 and d2-d4 is probably one of the most analysed
openings in chess history, and we can see that some lines even go
well beyond the 20th move. Obviously it is not a question of
memorizing everything by heart – just remember the ideas, and in
particular the main tactical themes. With these alone you will have
an undeniable advantage against a less prepared opponent.To those
who would argue that it seems surprising to recommend a variation
in which White has perhaps nothing better than a perpetual if Black
finds good moves, I would take theliberty of answering that one
must not dogmatically and rigidly accept all the truths set forth
by theory, especially for youngsters.It is true that Black has a
few lines that allow him to get equality in this Giuoco Piano.
However, we have seen inthefirstthreegamesofthischapterthat this
path towards equality was
sometimes very torturous and often strewn with many pitfalls
that Black can fall into at any time. How many amateur players (the
audience this book addresses) know all the correct moves in this
variation? Very few, I would bet.
Andhowmanywouldfindthemattheboard? Even less, surely.Again, this
book is not intended to prepare masters, or even candidate masters,
but just to bring ideas and reference points to players who are
entering competition, and are putting together their first
openingrepertoire. In particular by offering them lively tactical
positions where an inexperienced opponent will have every chance of
going astray. When we see White’s success rate with the Greco
Gambit in junior tournaments, we can reasonably say that this
opening achieves its goal.
Game 13Paul MorphyAmateurNew Orleans 1858
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♘f6The Two Knights Defence. Perhaps it
would be more logical to speak of the ‘Two Knights Counter-attack’,
since Black threatens the e4-pawn with his last move.
4.♘g5!?
T_LdMl.tT_LdMl.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_.s._._S_.s.__._.j.n._._.j.n.._B_I_._._B_I_.__._._._._._._._.IiIi.iIiIiIi.iIirNbQk._RrNbQk._R
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36
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
A surprising move, which goes against all the basic opening
principles. White neglects his development by moving a piece a
second time while most of his other pieces are still in their
starting blocks.However,thisisjustifiedbythefact that the attack on
f7 is not easy for Black to parry.Of course, White can play more
modestly (and more classically) 4.d3, to transpose into the Giuoco
Pianissimo after4...♗c5,but in this casehe losesthe opportunity to
play the Italian with c2-c3 and d2-d4. This is why I advise the
text move, which is much more aggressive (but also more
risky).Oddly, while it is one of the openings that have been the
most analysed by chess theory (together with the Greco Gambit), the
Two Knights Variation with 4.♘g5hasnonameassuch,althoughinsome
sources it is called the Fegatello Attack. Which is somewhat
inaccurate, since the real (and venerable) Fegatello normally
begins with the sacrifice onf7, which is recurrent in this
variation. Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity (and also, it
must be said, to preserve the rhyme with Greco and Giuoco Piano), I
will use the name Fegatello for the move4.♘g5, like someother
authors,and I hope that learned theorists will not hold it against
me.The move 4.♘g5 gave rise to totallydivergent opinions in the
last century. Tarrasch, the German theorist from the early part of
the 20th century, described it as idiotic, while Bobby Fischer
considered it the outright refutation of the Two Knights Defence.
To each his truth. Objectively, it is doubtless somewhere between
these two extremes of opinion. Anyway, it is an active move that
conceals a quite
subtle trap. A trap that will be daunting for inexperienced
players. Just have a look, to be convinced, at the countless number
of young players who have fallen victim to it. Young players, or
even not-so-young amateurs, as was the case in this game played in
a blindfold simultaneous by Paul Morphy, the American prodigy who
briefly ruledthe chess world in the middle of the nineteenth
century.
4...d5The only reasonable move to defend the f7-pawn. However,
later in this chapter we will see another possibility, although it
is very risky and not really that sound.
5.exd5 ♘xd5?Here is the trap mentioned above into which Black
falls so very frequently. If he could take on d5 and parry the
threat to f7 so easily, the attackwith 4.♘g5would indeed be idiotic
– to use the expression of Tarrasch – and would not have much
sense, but this is not the case.As we will see later in this
chapter, Black mustplay5...♘a5andacceptthelossofa pawn in exchange
for an advantage in development.After the capture on d5, Black is
simply almost lost!
T_LdMl.tT_LdMl.tjJj._JjJjJj._JjJ._S_._._._S_._.__._Sj.n._._Sj.n.._B_._._._B_._.__._._._._._._._.IiIi.iIiIiIi.iIirNbQk._RrNbQk._R
6.d4!
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37
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
Stronger than the direct sacrifice6.♘xf7!?, which is recommended
inmany books and commonly called the ‘Fried Liver Attack’, which
sounds far less romantic than ‘Fegatello’. The
immediatesacrificeonf7isneverthelessinteresting and gives White
undeniable practical chances. However, after the continuation
analysed by Greco (him again!) in1620:6...♔xf77.♕f3+♔e6(forced,
otherwise White would recover the piecewith advantage) 8.♘c3♘e7(the
best defence) 9.d4 c6, powerful analysis engines have shown that
Black can hope to survive and keep his extra piece. Even if the
exact defence will be extremelyhardtofindattheboardwiththe clock
ticking, and moreover by an amateur (an experienced player will not
play this line with black because he will know that recapturing the
d5-pawn on move 4 is a mistake).In short, a player who is
comfortable with tactical variations and who likes to ‘surf’ on the
razor’s edge can fearlessly embark on the ‘Fried Liver Attack’ with
a little preparation. However, is it wise to venture into
complications that are finallynotsoclear,whenthetextmovepromises a
sure advantage without risk?6.♕f3?,whichwefrequentlyencounterin
young players’ games, is, however,
downrightbad:6...♕xg57.♗xd5♘d48.♕xf7+ ♔d8 9.♗e4? (the bishopwants
to continue to defend the c2- and g2-pawns, but an unpleasant
surprise awaitsWhite)9...♗e6.Oops!Thewhitequeen has no
square...
6...exd4After6...♘xd4?7.c3,Blackwillloseoneof his two knights,
awkwardly aligned onthed-file.The only possible continuation for
Blackis6...♗e6.Thisisarecentattempt
to show that the 5...♘xd5 variationis perhaps not necessarily
losing for Black. For now, too few games have been played to come
to a definitiveconclusion, but it is sure that after 7.♘xe6 fxe6
8.dxe5 ♘xe5 9.♕h5+♘g610.0-0,White,ifnotwinning,hasa much better
position. If this is really the best that Black can hope for,
perhaps it is better to give up on 5...♘xd5altogether.
7.0-0Whiteisnowthreateningtosacrificeonf7 and get a very
favourable version of the Fried Liver Attack.
7...♗e77...♗e6, with the idea of protectingthe sensitive
f7-point, does not solve Black’s problems, as can be seen in the
following game. During a training session, a young student came and
asked me what to do after 7...f6, which does not allow a
sacrificeonf7,ofcourse.
T_LdMl.tT_LdMl.tjJj._.jJjJj._.jJ._S_.j._._S_.j.__._S_.n._._S_.n.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._._._._._._.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNbQ_Rk.rNbQ_Rk.
Certainly, without even analysing it is easy to tell that a move
such as 7...f6 cannot be a panacea, but it will be much lesseasy
foranamateurplayer tofindthe refutation at the board. In addition,
no theoretical manual will deal with a move such as 7...f6 in this
position, of course, although several youngsters have nevertheless
proposed it to me,
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38
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
as they felt the need to prevent the sacrificeon
f7.Themove7...f6 isbad,period, and that is obvious, one might be
tempted to say, while dismissing this wacky suggestion out of
hand.Nevertheless, one of the goals of this book is indeed to try
to answer questions from amateurs (even those that may seem
far-fetched!) and in particular
thosewherewewillfindnotraceofananswer in classical chess books.In
this case, it was not so easy to show (concretely!) that the move
7...f6 was bad:8.♖e1+(now
thiswasobvious...)8...♗e79.♕f3!(butthiswasmuchlessso, and it is the
refutation of the 7...f6 move) and now: A) 9...♘b6? 10.♕h5+ g6
11.♗f7+♔d7 (11...♔f8 12.♕h6#) 12.♕h3+f5 (12...♔d6 13.♘e4+ ♔e5
14.f4#is a nice mate in the middle of the chessboard) 13.♘e6 and
the blackqueen is lost; B)
9...fxg510.♗xd5♖f811.♕h5+g612.♗xc6+bxc613.♕xh7.Theblackposition is
in ruins, both in terms of the pawn structure (look at the contrast
between White’s and Black’s!) and the safety of the king.
Now let’s return to the position after 7...♗e7.
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJj.lJjJjJj.lJjJ._S_._._._S_._.__._S_.n._._S_.n.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._._._._._._.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNbQ_Rk.rNbQ_Rk.
8.♘xf7!
The main theme of the Fegatello! The
sacrificeismuchstrongerherethaninthe Fried Liver Attack since White
has already castled and the e-file is open.Venturing onto e6 will
consequently be even more problematic for the black king.
8...♔xf7 9.♕f3+ ♔e6Suicidal, but if the king goes back White
will recover the d5-knight and have a better position.
T_Ld._.tT_Ld._.tjJj.l.jJjJj.l.jJ._S_M_._._S_M_.__._S_._._._S_._.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._Q_._._._Q_.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNb._Rk.rNb._Rk.
10.♘c3!!Abrilliant sacrifice, found byMorphywhile blindfold, and
designed to accelerate the centralization of the a1-rook.
10...dxc3 11.♖e1+ ♘e5 12.♗f4 ♗f6 13.♗xe5 ♗xe5 14.♖xe5+!
Open House!14...♔xe5 15.♖e1+ ♔d4
Theblackkingfindsitselfintheopen-air right in the middle of the
chessboard.
16.♗xd5 ♖e8At this point Houdini (the analysis engine, not the
magician who was a contemporary of Morphy!) announces mate (and
only one!) in seven moves. Morphy found it without being able to
see the board, and this while playing against ten opponents
simultaneously.Of course, the bishop cannot be
captured:16...♕xd517.♕xc3#.
17.♕d3+ ♔c5
-
39
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
T_LdT_._T_LdT_._jJj._.jJjJj._.jJ._._._._._._._.__.mB_._._.mB_._.._._._._._._._.__.jQ_._._.jQ_._.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIi_._.r.k._._.r.k.
18.b4+!Strangely, this is the only winning move for White in
this position, but of course, it is more than enough since it leads
to a forced mate.
18...♔xb418...♔b6 19.♕d4+ ♔a6 20.♕c4+
♔b6(20...b521.♕c6#)21.♕c5+♔a622.♕a5#.
19.♕d4+ ♔a5 20.♕xc3+ ♔a4 21.♕b3+ ♔a5 22.♕a3+ ♔b6 23.♖b1#
Game 14Marwan BrionHugo KesslerFrance 2012
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♘f6 4.♘g5!? d5 5.exd5 ♘xd5? 6.d4! exd4
7.0-0 ♗e6
To defend the sensitive f7-square and
preventtheknightsacrifice,butallthisis an illusion.
8.♖e1 ♕d7
T_._Ml.tT_._Ml.tjJjD_JjJjJjD_JjJ._S_L_._._S_L_.__._S_.n._._S_.n.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._._._._._._.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNbQr.k.rNbQr.k.
If Black manages to castle queenside, then he would have a very
satisfactory position, with, moreover, an extra pawn.
9.♘xf7!In the purest Fegatello style, White
sacrificeshisknightonf7anyway,justwhen this pawn seems to be
protected three times.
9...♔xf7Of course, the e6-bishop is pinned, and capturing with
the queen would leave the d5-knight hanging.
10.♕f3+ ♔g6Returning to the e-filewould lose thed5-knight
because the e6-bishop would finditselfpinned.10...♔g8 also loses:
11.♖xe6! ♕xe612.♗xd5.
T_._.l.tT_._.l.tjJjD_.jJjJjD_.jJ._S_L_M_._S_L_M__._S_._._._S_._.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._Q_._._._Q_.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNb.r.k.rNb.r.k.
11.♖xe6+!11.♗d3+?! immediately would
allowthedefensivemove11...♗f5.
11...♕xe6 12.♗d3+ And Black resigned.
Game 15Ludovic JardineSimon VivilleFrance tt-jr 2005/06
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♘f6 4.♘g5!? d5 5.exd5 ♘a5!
We have seen in the previous games that the recapture on d5 was
bad.
-
40
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
5...b5!? is interesting, and was played by Carlsen against
Naiditsch in 2006, but it’s not really correct after the
withdrawal6.♗f1!.Following6...♕xd57.♘c3, the g2-pawn is protected,
andWhite can therefore capture on b5 under good conditions.
T_LdMl.tT_LdMl.tjJj._JjJjJj._JjJ._._.s._._._.s._s._Ij.n.s._Ij.n.._B_._._._B_._.__._._._._._._._.IiIi.iIiIiIi.iIirNbQk._RrNbQk._R
6.♗b5+The bishop must move with check, otherwise Black will
recover the d5- pawn without any problems.
6...c66...♗d77.♕e2! protects the b5-bishopand creates unpleasant
threats on the e-fileandagainstthee5-pawn.
7.dxc6 bxc6 8.♗e2The most accurate defensive move according to
theory, and certainly the most popular, although the 8.♗d3 retreat
has been rehabilitatedby (among many others) Laurent Fressinet, who
used it to beat Etienne Bacrot in the 2011 French Blitz Champion
ship.
8...h6 9.♘f3 e4 10.♘e5 ♗d6Black gains development tempi by
attacking the knight.
11.d4 exd3 12.♘xd3 ♕c7Otherwise White plays 13,♗f4 andexchanges
the dark-squared bishops, and Black will no longer have any real
compensation.
13.b3!
T_L_M_.tT_L_M_.tj.d._Jj.j.d._Jj.._Jl.s.j._Jl.s.js._._._.s._._._.._._._._._._._.__I_N_._._I_N_._.I_I_BiIiI_I_BiIirNbQk._RrNbQk._R
A move played by Kasparov, Radjabov and Morozevich, who all
three won. This must therefore be a good move. White ignores the
threat to h2, which is not dangerous for now, and starts developing
the queenside pieces. The c1-bishop will be well placed on b2 and
the b3-pawn takes the c4-square away from the black knight.
13...♗xh2?So far, both players have followed the line
recommended by theory, but taking the h2-pawn is a serious mistake.
After13...0-014.♗b2,Whitewillplayh3 before castling kingside (so as
to not lose the h2-pawn with check!) and will have good chances to
consolidate his extra pawn, even if he must remain vigilant because
of the menacing activity of the black pieces.
14.g3! ♗xg3 15.fxg3 ♕xg3+ 16.♘f2 0-0
16...♘e4?17.♕d4!.17.♔f1?
17.♕d3! ♕g2 18.♕f3 ♕g6 19.♗d2♘b720.♘c3.The two black pawns are
not worth White’s extra piece.
17...♗f5?17...♕e5!wouldgiveBlackstrongcoun-ter play.
18.♕e1 ♘b7 19.♕b4 ♖ab8? 20.♗f4 ♘d5
-
41
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
.t._.tM_.t._.tM_jS_._Jj.jS_._Jj.._J_._.j._J_._.j_._S_L_._._S_L_..q._.b._.q._.b.__I_._.d._I_._.d.I_I_Bn._I_I_Bn._rN_._K_RrN_._K_R
21.♕xf8+!A small liquidating tactic that should normally win the
game without too many problems.
21...♖xf8 22.♗xg3 ♘e3+ 23.♔e1 ♘xc2+ 24.♔d2 ♘xa1 25.♘a3 ♖d8+
26.♔c3 ♖e8 27.♗d3 ♖e3 28.♗b8 ♗xd3 29.♘xd3 ♘c5 30.♔d4?
30.♖d1.30...♖xd3+ 31.♔xc5 ♘xb3+! 32.axb3 ♖xb3
Black recovers a piece, and most impor-tantly, White has no more
pawns!
33.♗xa7 ♖xa3 34.♗b6 ♖c3+ 35.♔d6 ♔f8 36.♗c5 f5 37.♖a1 ♖d3+
½-½
Not really knowing how to assess this endgame, both opponents
prefer to agree an immediate sharing of the point. In this position
all three results are indeed still possible, even if a draw is
effectively the most legitimate with perfect play by both
sides.
Game 16Nikolai Ninov 2515Cyril Marzolo 2487La Fère 2008 (4)
1.e4 e5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗c4 ♘f6 4.♘g5 ♗c5!?
The Traxler Gambit. A clever counter-attack devised by the Czech
Catholic priest (and strong chess player) Karel Traxler in the late
nineteenth century.
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_.s._._S_.s.__.l.j.n._.l.j.n.._B_I_._._B_I_.__._._._._._._._.IiIi.iIiIiIi.iIirNbQk._RrNbQk._R
Black ignores the threat to f7 and even allows White to take the
pawn in two ways: one with check, and the other with a fork of
queen and rook!In some young beginners’ games, the
4...♗c5movemayalsobenothingbuta blunder: developing a piece without
seeing that the f7-pawn is attacked!According to current theory the
Traxler defence (or rather attack!), even when played deliberately
(and therefore not the aforementioned blunder!), is considered
unsound and probably refuted. However, it can be very dangerous and
just as unpleasant when you do not know it at
allandfindyourselffacingitforthefirsttime with white.The Traxler
has given rise to some very complex analysis but it is obviously
out of the question to detail and reproduce that here. It is just
important to have some ideas to avoid falling into the many traps,
and to know a line that gives White the advantage (there are
several!).
5.♘xf7Taking with the bishop on f7 is also possible, and
recommended in certain books, even if Black retains some
com-pensation for the pawn after 5...♔e7thanks to the f-file.
Obviously, if themove 4...♗c5 is a mistake (we willnever know for
certain during a game,
-
42
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
however), the most natural is to take on f7 with the knight,
naturally.The present game is that which, among the 500 or so on
Megabase where White took on f7 with the knight, opposed the two
strongest players.
5...♗xf2+ 6.♔f1!Chessisnotcheckers!Wearedefinitelynot obliged to
capture. An article in New in Chess Yearbook presents this move as
the outright refutation of the
TraxlerGambit.6.♔xf2?seemstogiveBlack too strong an attack,
according to the latest theoretical developments and the
contributions of Fritz and friends,
after6...♘xe4+followedbythearrivalof the queen on h4.
6...♕e7 7.♘xh8 d5 8.exd5 ♘d4At the cost of a rook – this is not
insignificant! – Black has obtained adangerous initiative. The
immediate threatis9...♗g4.
9.d6!
T_L_M_.nT_L_M_.njJj.d.jJjJj.d.jJ._.i.s._._.i.s.__._.j._._._.j._.._Bs._._._Bs._.__._._._._._._._.IiIi.lIiIiIi.lIirNbQ_K_RrNbQ_K_R
One of six (!) refutations of the Traxler proposed by Maarten de
Zeeuw in his impressive presentation published in the Yearbook.It
is important to insert this move, which will prove useful for at
least two reasons:1. It will allow the knight to get out to f7
while attacking the black queen if she captures on d6.
2. It will obstruct the path of the black queen to c5 if the
c7-pawn captures on d6. A) Capturing the f2-bishop is still not
possible: 9.♔xf2?♗g4! with just onequite extraordinary example,
included both for its beauty and to convince you of the usefulness
of the 9.d6 move!: 10.♕f1♘e4+11.♔g1
(11.♔e3♕g5+12.♔xe4♗f5+13.♔xe50-0-0!14.♔xd4♕f6+ 15.♔e3♖e8+
16.♔f3♗d3+ 17.♔g3 ♕g5+ 18.♔h3 h5!,and White will be mated)
11...♘e2+12.♗xe2♕c5+.
T_._M_.nT_._M_.njJj._.jJjJj._.jJ._._._._._._._.__.dIj._._.dIj._.._._S_L_._._S_L__._._._._._._._.IiIiB_IiIiIiB_IirNb._QkRrNb._QkR
There we are! With a black pawn on d6, this move would not be
possible; B) 9.c3? is also not good:
9...♗g4!10.♕a4+♘d7!(toclearthef-fileandthed8-h4diagonalforthequeen)11.♔xf2(11.cxd4
♕f6! 12.dxe5 ♕f5!)11...♕h4+!,winningbyforce: B1) 12.♔e3 ♕g5+ 13.♔f2
♕f5+(13...♕f4+!)14.♔g10-0-0ç, Mykyska-Traxler, postal game 1896,
the ‘première’ for the Traxler variation!; B2) 12.♔f1 0-0-0, and
White ishelplessagainstthethreatsonthef-file; B3) 12.g3 ♕f6+ 13.♔e1
(13.♔g1♘e2+ 14.♗xe2 ♗xe2 15.♔g2 ♕f3+16.♔h3 ♕xh1) 13...♕f5!
14.cxd4♕e4+ 15.♔f2♕f3+ 16.♔e1♕xh1+17.♗f1 0-0-0 18.♘f7 ♕e4+
19.♔f2♖f8!,andWhitewillagainbemated!
-
43
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
9...cxd69...♕xd6?10.♘f7(oneofthetwoideasof the 9.d6 move set out
in the previous note) 10...♕c5 11.d3 ♗g4
12.♕d2.Blackhasinsufficientcompensationforthe sacrificed rook
because 12...♗e2+givesnothing:13.♔xf2♘g4+14.♔e1♘f3+ 15.♔xe2 ♕f2+
16.♔d1 ♘xd217.♗xd2. White has ensured hisretirement with a rook and
three minor pieces against the black queen.
10.♔xf2!White can take this bishop now that the black queen no
longer has access to the c5-square.
10...d510...♗g4 11.♕f1 ♘xc2
(11...♘e4+12.♔g1.Withoutthed6-pawn,Blackwouldwin by 12...♘e2+,
followed bya check from the queen on c5, as in
thepreviousnoteafter9.♔xf2)12.♘c3♘xa1. The two knights in
theopposing corners should emerge, but White will stay a piece
ahead.
T_L_M_.nT_L_M_.njJ_.d.jJjJ_.d.jJ._._.s._._._.s.__._Jj._._._Jj._.._Bs._._._Bs._.__._._._._._._._.IiIi.kIiIiIi.kIirNbQ_._RrNbQ_._R
11.d3
The bishop retreat 11.♗e2!, to controlthe g4-square and keep the
possibility of closingthef-fileby♗f3,wasstronger:11...♘e4+ 12.♔g1
♕c5 13.♗h5+ g614.♔f1! ♕f8+ (14...gxh5 15.♕xh5+♔d7 16.♘c3) 15.♗f3
♗g4 16.d3♘xf3 17.gxf3 ♗xf3 18.♕e1 ♗xh1+19.♔g1♕f3 20.♕f1♕xf1+
21.♔xf1♘d622.♗h6!.Thebishopcancometothe aid of its equine teammate
on h8, and White will retain an extra piece, even if the technical
realization is not necessarily that straightforward.
11...dxc4?11...♘g4+!offeredBlackbetterpracticalchances.
12.h3 cxd3 13.cxd3 ♗d7 14.♖e1 0-0-0 15.♔g1
._Mt._.n._Mt._.njJ_Ld.jJjJ_Ld.jJ._._.s._._._.s.__._.j._._._.j._.._.s._._._.s._.__._I_._I_._I_._IIi._._I_Ii._._I_rNbQr.k.rNbQr.k.
The white king is now safe and Black will have no real
compensation for the exchange less (after collecting the
h8-knight).
15...♖xh8 16.♗e3 ♕d6 17.♘d2 ♗c6 18.♘c4 ♕d5 19.♕d2 b6 20.♖ac1 ♔b7
21.♗xd4 ♕xd4+ 22.♕f2 1-0
-
44
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
Your move!
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJjJ_JjJjJjJ_JjJ._S_._._._S_._.__._._._._._._._.._Bi._._._Bi._.__.l._N_._.l._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir.bQ_Rk.r.bQ_Rk.q
7
The a1-rook is attacked. How should White react?(solution on
page 156)
T_Ld.tM_T_Ld.tM_jJj.sJjJjJj.sJjJ._.j._._._.j._.__._I_.n._._I_.n.._B_R_._._B_R_.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir._Q_.k.r._Q_.k.q
8
Black has just castled kingside. What is the most aggressive
continuation for White?(solution on page 156)
T_LdM_.tT_LdM_.tjJj.sJj.jJj.sJj.._.j._.j._.j._.j_._I_.n._._I_.n.._B_R_._._B_R_.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir._Q_.k.r._Q_.k.q
9
The g5-knight is attacked. What should White do? (solution on
page 157)
T_._Ml.tT_._Ml.tjJjD_JjJjJjD_JjJ._S_L_._._S_L_.__._S_.n._._S_.n.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._._._._._._.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNbQr.k.rNbQr.k.q
10
Black is ready to castle queenside and he would then have a good
position. How should White continue? (solution on page 157)
T_.d.mT_T_.d.mT_jJjLs.jQjJjLs.jQ._.j._.r._.j._.r_._I_J_B_._I_J_B._._._._._._._.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIir._._.k.r._._.k.q
11
White to play and mate in two moves.(solution on page 157)
T_L_._MtT_L_._MtjJjJ_J_JjJjJ_J_J._._.s.b._._.s.b_._I_._._._I_._.._._._._._._._.__.i._N_._.i._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIi_._.r.k._._.r.k.q
12
The e8-square is protected. How can White mate in two moves?
(solution on page 157)
-
45
Chapter 2 – The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the Greco
Gambit
T_L_._MtT_L_._MtjJjJ_J_JjJjJ_J_J._._.s.b._._.s.b_._Ir._._._Ir._.._._S_._._._S_.__.i._N_._.i._N_.I_._.iIiI_._.iIir._._.k.r._._.k.q
13
Compared to the previous diagram Black has two knights, but
White mates anyway. How?(solution on page 158)
T_L_.t._T_L_.t._jJj._MjQjJj._MjQ._.j._Sr._.j._Sr_._I_Jd._._I_Jd.._._._._._._._.__._._._._._._._.Ii._BiIiIi._BiIir._._.k.r._._.k.q
14
White to play and win.(solution on page 158)
T_._.lMtT_._.lMtjJjD_.jJjJjD_.jJ._S_L_._._S_L_.__._S_._._._S_._.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._Q_._._._Q_.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNb.r.k.rNb.r.k.q
15
White to play and win.(solution on page 158)
T_._.l.tT_._.l.tjJjD_.jJjJjD_.jJ._S_L_M_._S_L_M__._S_._._._S_._.._Bj._._._Bj._.__._._Q_._._._Q_.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIirNb.r.k.rNb.r.k.q
16
The same position as in the previous diagram, but with the black
king on g6 instead of e8. The same answer? (solution on page
158)
T_Ld.mT_T_Ld.mT_jJj._._QjJj._._Q._.j._.r._.j._.r_._I_Sj._._I_Sj.._B_.j._._B_.j.__._._._._._._._.Ii._.iIiIi._.iIi_._.r.k._._.r.k.q
17
How does White continue his attack?(solution on page 159)
T_Ld._.tT_Ld._.tjJj._.jJjJj._.jJ._._M_._._._M_.__._Sl._._._Sl._.._B_._._._B_._.__.j._Q_._.j._Q_.IiI_.iIiIiI_.iIir._.r.k.r._.r.k.q
18
The black king has ventured onto e6. How does White conduct the
execution?(solution on page 159)
Moret My First Opening repertoireExplanation of
SymbolsIntroductionChapter 1Chi va piano va sano: The Giuoco
PianissimoChapter 2The allegro opening: The Giuoco Piano and the
Greco GambitChapter 3Moderato: Black avoids the Giuoco Piano after
1.e4 e5Chapter 4Ready for the pole position: The Grand Prix Attack
against the SicilianChapter 5Comanchero! The King’s Indian Attack
against the FrenchChapter 6Harangue the Dragon! The St. George
Attack against the Pirc and the Modern (King’s Fianchetto) Chapter
7Spotlight on the Night AttackChapter 8Bringing down the curtain
and mishmash: The other black replies to 1.e4Chapter 9Solutions to
ExercisesBibliographyChapter 1Game 1Victor KnorreMikhail ChigorinSt
Petersburg 1874
Game 2Abraham SussmanEmanuel SchiffersSt Petersburg 1876
Game 3Sebastien FellerHadrien Jaquet France tt U18 2001/02
(8)
Game 4Berthier GrantAntoine FrotThionville 2011
Game 5Lisa ThomasSalome NeuhauserMontpellier U20 2004 (10)
Game 6Salome NeuhauserLoriane LebretAix-les-Bains 2006 (1)
Game 7Luc LericheSalome NeuhauserFrance tt-jr 2003/04
Game 8Elise ContalIannis IglesiasNancy 1998 Chapter 2
Game 9Pauline CrabieSandra SwierczRochefort jr 1998 (3)
Game 10Jame VoillatValerie HammerFrance tt-jr 1999
Game 11Elise BellaicheCyrielle MonpeurtAix-les-Bains 2007
(8)
Game 12Salome NeuhauserTristan HofferSaint-Dié 2004
Game 13Paul MorphyAmateurNew Orleans 1858
Game 14Marwan BrionHugo KesslerFrance 2012
Game 15Ludovic JardineSimon VivilleFrance tt-jr 2005/06
Game 16Nikolai Ninov2515Cyril Marzolo2487La Fère 2008 (4)Chapter
3
Game 17Jean de WijnVincent MoretNancy 1983
Game 18Philippe NolotJean-Louis CiccoliNancy 2011
Game 19Christophe Sochacki2239Mathieu LehautSautron 2009
Game 20Thomas Dionisi2183Joachin Mouhamad2113Montlucon 2011
(4)
Game 21Sophie Lam2032Sarah Benmesbah1870Reims 2004 (5)
Game 22Thomas SaatdjianMarie CheypeNancy 1999 Chapter 4
Game 23Guillaume Devaure1580Tristan Nicolas1878Saint-Lô jr
2006
Game 24Nicolas Brunner1720Nicolas BerjFrance 1998
Game 25Marwan Brion1601Hugo Apap1792France 2013 (3)
Game 26Vincent Moret2190Herisoa AndriamiakatraGuyane 2008
Game 27Mathilde Congiu2072Monika Seps2116Steinbrunn 2005 (3)
Game 28Sophie AflaloMilica MilosavljevicHalkidiki WCh U10
(girls) 2003
Game 29Marion Muller1530Tan Zhongyi2333Halkidiki Wch U12 (girls)
2003 (2)
Game 30Vincent MoretClaude WirtzThionville 1998
Game 31Salome NeuhauserDiana BacioUrgup Ech U10 girls 2004
(1)
Game 32Iannis Iglesias2050Redwan Maatoug2030Pau tt-jr 2000
Game 33Theo CiccoliAdriana TimkovaSlovakia 2012
Game 34Nigel Short2660Boris Gelfand2665Brussels 1991 (3)
Game 35Viswanathan Anand2725Boris Gelfand2700Wijk aan Zee 1996
(7)
Game 36Lea Bismuth1780Caroline Cochet2057Reims ch-FRA U16 2004
(9)
Game 37Natacha BenmesbahMartina VelecHeraklio Wch U14 (girls)
2002
Game 38Salome NeuhauserDaria KoveshnikovaUrgup Ech U10 (girls)
2004 (9)
Game 39Abdourahmane KasseVincent RousseauFrance tt-jr 1995
Game 40Iannis Iglesias2138Emrah AcunerBalatonlelle Ech-tt jr
2003 (4)
Game 41Clémentine Nolot1858Alix RobauxMetz 2013
Game 42Theo CiccoliHonein DjermouneMetz 2014
Game 43Tanguy Ringoir2185Yvalin Bruned2333Le Touquet 2006
(9)
Game 44Vincent HouzelleJohann MichelNancy 1995
Game 45Theo Ciccoli1548Nathan Saucourt1430Nimes 2012
Game 46Valentin Fougerit2057Loic Barbet2037Rennes tt-jr 2004
(2)
Game 47Evgeny Sveshnikov2565Igor Jelen2374Ljubljana 2002 (1)
Game 48Boris SpasskyEfim GellerSukhumi m 1968 (6)
Game 49Frank WitthusThomas KuhnenGermany tt 1990/91 Chapter
5
Game 50Mark DvoretskyYakov DamskyMoscow 1970
Game 51Mathilde Congiu1820Alexander Chiu2020Saint-Lô jr 2001
(1)
Game 52Robert FischerLhamsuren MyagmarsurenSousse izt 1967
(3)
Game 53Gregory Kaidanov2625Friso Nijboer2525Elista ol 1998
(5)
Game 54Karel van der Weide2375Friso Nijboer2605Hoogeveen 1997
(6)
Game 55Theo Ciccoli1775Alexandre Bacrot1682France 2014
Game 56Mark Dvoretsky2525Elizbar Ubilava2430Tbilisi 1979
Game 57Romaric Mathieu1980Abaz Serani1640France 2004 Chapter
6
Game 58 Anthony Wirig1890Lucas Alba1470France jr 1997
Game 59 Anthony WirigJonathan PierrelFrance 1996 Chapter 7
Game 60 Salome Neuhauser1660I. Baliki1860Paris 2005
Game 61 Maxime Vachier-Lagrave2722Ding Liren2707Paris 2013
(2)
Game 62 Romaric Mathieu2030Brice Aidaoui2130Romans ch-FRA U18
1999
Game 63 Nicolas MarchalNicolas ForestierNancy 1999
Game 64 Vincent MoretSylvain Delorieux1940Belgium tt 1987
Chapter 8
Game 65 Tristan HofferMaxime DrumetzNancy 2005
Game 66 Salome Neuhauser1798Francois Lemeille1680France ch-jr
2006
Game 67 Alexey SuetinLeonid ShamkovichKiev ch-URS 1964 (18)
Game 68 Anthony WirigMatthieu BobanVandoeuvre 1999
Game 69 Romain Edouard2255Francois Brethes2161Calvi ch-FRA U16
2005 (4)
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